Area banks form coalition to assist in event of disaster

Sunday, September 16, 2007

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Local banks have formed a coalition to increase the resilience of the financial services industry in the region in the event of a regional disaster in collaboration with city, state and federal agencies.

Called ShowMeFIRST, the organization has established goals of: protecting the lives of the people working in the industry, protecting the financial assets entrusted for safe keeping and investment, working with city and state authorities on emergency coordination and evacuation and implementing the primary objectives in a rapid manner.

At the group's August quarterly meeting, which was held at the The Bank of Missouri's William Street banking center in Cape Girardeau, a large group gathered. Participants included the ShowMeFIRST charter member banks: Bank of Advance, Bank of New Madrid, The Bank of Missouri, Alliance Bank, Capaha Bank and Security Bank and Trust. Non-member financial institutions and strategic partners included: city and county fire departments, Technology & Networking/ASC, county health departments, city and county emergency management agencies and the Federal Reserve Bank.

The group's main objectives are to obtain public sector awareness and participation, acquire priority access to facilities in a disaster and develop comprehensive disaster recovery/business continuity plans.

The ShowMeFIRST organization currently meet bi-weekly via teleconference. The next quarterly meeting will be held in November.

All financial institutions are encouraged to join. Anyone interested in more information should contact one of the charter member banks or Shawn Asmus, CISSP with Technology and Networking/ASC at 573-335-5157.